Cessnock City Council has been liaising with The Heart Foundation NSW regarding an initiative that will seek to reduce the levels of unhealthy saturated and trans fats in the local food supply. The initiative will involve encouraging business owners to switch to a healthier cooking oil for shallow and deep frying.
Council has a keen interest in protecting the health of the local community and in reducing the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. A survey of local food outlets will be completed by Environmental Health Officers during routine inspections in order to determine what oils are currently being used. Council will provide education and recommendations, where appropriate, for changing to a healthier alternative. Please note that the survey is confidential and business details will not be disclosed to any other persons. The information gathered will assist in identifying existing general trends and opportunities for change. Should you wish to participate completed surveys can be handed in at Cessnock City Council 
Administration Office.
Saturated and trans fats in fats and oils increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by raising blood cholesterol levels. Replacing them with healthier mono- and polyunsaturated fats and oils lowers this risk.
The Heart Foundation NSW recommends that people replace saturated and trans fats in their diet with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. This will help lower blood cholesterol levels and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A useful document is the Heart Foundation’s ‘The 3 Step Guide – A guide for the Australian Food Service Industry on reducing saturated and trans-fats’
“Consuming too much of the unhealthy saturated and trans fats is one of the key factors increasing our risk of cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for one in three Australian deaths each year” said Heart Foundation NSW Senior Nutrition Manager, Barbara Eden.
“Many people do not consider the fact that meals purchased outside the home may be contributing to their overall saturated and trans fat intake and therefore, their risk of heart disease. It is important that the community is aware that ‘cholesterol free’ oil and some vegetable oils (such as palm oil) may be high in saturated and/or trans fats, which are harmful to heart health” Barbara added.
For further information on healthier fats please visit the Heart Foundation website: http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/sites/tick/Food_Industry/foodservice/Pages/default.aspx or contact Council’s Environmental Health Officers on 4993 4100 with any further comments/questions
